Starting in 2019, the CREC is conducting hemp research. Hemp is a new crop option with some already established markets. Specifically, the seed is harvested and crushed for oil that is used in a wide array of products. Other countries, including Canada, have had hempseed production for some time already and we base our management strategies on what they have learned. With the recent farm bill, hemp production has had several hurdles removed making it easier to grow commercially and for research. Trials at the CREC include variety screening, seed treatments and herbicide tolerance testing. This year we are evaluating 12 cultivars representing a good diversity of material, and there are already some differences showing up in emergence (Figure 1).  

Figure 1. Emergence of hemp varieties 2 weeks after planting. This trial was seeded in 14” rows.

Because it is a new crop, there are many production and marketing questions. We will be providing a quick overview of hemp production at our 60^th Annual Field Days on July 16^th. We are also having a more focused event on hemp production, marketing, and economics on July 24^th at the CREC. Stay tuned for more details about these two events. While there are other uses for hemp including fiber and CBD oil, these events will largely focus on hempseed production.   

Mike Ostlie
Mike.Ostlie@ndsu.edu
Research Agronomist